DavyZ

Thure, That may not be the final drive ratio. It may be a .73 (or something very close like that..foggy memory). The T5's have at least two different 5th gears that were available--check your calculations with the .73 and see what the top speed is. I don't think you'll go anywhere near that fast due to severe wind resistance from the brick-like aerodynamics of the Z. Plus, you may actually get airborne before you ever find out how fast you can go, and if you live to tell about it (fat chance) make sure you post it. Thanks, Bud lol Davy

Man, I'm liking this thread a whole lot, because all of this advice is really good! I personally would build a big cubic inch (420 or 426) SBC V8 and get my education of building a motor on that. However, the 3.1L stroker is a neat way to go too. To me there is something more car crafty about going with a V8 and making that fit into the chassis. Plus, I can guarantee it'll be one fast mother when you are finished Davy

Jimmy, The first V8 converted Z's made en masse were from a Company called Scarab. They sold kits and complete cars. Original Scarab cars have history and are very rare (read: expensive). Now we just refer to any Z car with the engine in same position as a Scarab. There is a write up on Zhome.com or the internet Z car club (I've forgotten where) on the history of the V8Z. Try to find it and read about it--very interesting reading. This was the easiest conversion to do, and many thought this was the best that was out there, but then JTR came along and built a better mouse trap IMO. The JTR conversion sets the motor back farther against the firewall (good), lower in the engine bay (good), and is backed up by a very good manual (good). Keep making notes and download all pertinent information to files on your computer or download to a printer and make notebooks. I have two big binders packed with notes--I'll read it all someday Davy

Jon, that is just sick, sick, SICK!!! Man, it looks like a million bucks!!! Good job on your project; is this going fast or what? Who is helping you? Ron? You are making awesome headway with really nice parts--then engine looks great. Your car is so clean the way it was, it is a shame you are ruining it by adding a big heavy pig of an American motor lol I like the job you are doing, and if it is even half as nice as your car is in person, it'll rate a 10 for sure. I'm very impressed and look forward to seeing the car in person. At least there will be a new V8Z tearing up the landscape in Antioch. Ricers beware!!! Shoot, Porsches beware! Davy

Dave, I'm no expert, but I think you should pick up that turbo setup right away! man, only 300 bones? It would be a neat project, but also think about the money you'll need for a computer/engine management system, like SDS or that kind of thing. Your wife's Mustang is finished already?!? Sheesh, I'm lagging...Seriously, if the turbo does not work out for some odd reason, contact me offline about it. Davy

A turbocharger is 'clean' power IMO--it makes power from wasted energy throught the force of the exhaust. A supercharger runs through belts off of the engine--it uses power to make power. Is that a reason for going for one over the other? Heck no. A lot of it comes down to personal preference. I have owned turbocharged cars and I enjoy what they do while delivering very good (relatively speaking) gas economy. All in all, turbocharging is more efficient and also produces similar power. Davy

Awesome work, Terry. You never cease to amaze me! Davy

Dan, FL327 is exactly right. I took a look at the car at the last MSA show, and there were no cards or any other business literature about the 'kit' if there really is one. Still, it is quite a looker. Davy

Thanks for the pics and the additional info, Mark! Davy

My 260Z would like rpms up to 6000 rpm, but that was max...5000 rpm is what I usually shifted at when pushing it. Davy

Grumpy, Lonehdrider knows (I think so anyway) but is away for a while You might try to email him while he is out of state. (remember that his brother had a bad motorcycle accident and he is in AZ for a while). Look for his email address on one of his posts. Sorry I can't help much, but I know those things are out there. Davy

Jason, if your combo is really good for an 11 second Z, well that's just sick I tell you. Feel free to send me those pathetic heads...anytime I get the FIRST RIDE!!! Shoudl be fun too! Call me when you get the motor in; I'd love to come take a look at it. Merry Christmas to you too! Davy

Spoken like a true engineer, Pete! Davy

Gary, although I'm not as well versed in engine building, from everything I've read, your combo should produce about 300 hp with the right cam, still being under the specific amount of lift you desire. I would call Comp Cams and Crane Cams--talk to them and see what the most aggressive cam is that you can put in there w/o going with too much lift. Also, they may be able to get you a true custom grind just for you without charging you any extra--something to think about. Davy

Greimann makes excellent points. One factor to consider also is money. Make sure you set aside a chunk for the conversion--good intentions never get down the road without a plan and $$$$. Although the JTR manual is specific to the 1st gen Z cars, it is a great guide to use to get things done. They also have a TPI/TBI manual which is good for information for EFI engine swaps if you are going in that direction. MSA is a good place for conversion parts--friendly people and good selection. HTH. Davy

Good idea! Update: I have collected too many pictures and will try to get some semblance of order with a write up...after Christmas. Davy

Thanks, Grumpy! Davy

I like the design of the engine cradle--looks totally solid from what I see. Anyone see a price? Not that I'm interested..me? No, never...OK, maybe just once! Davy

Yeah, when I get a job, then I get a car! If Kevin's car is still available, I'll buy it. Davy

Ditto on what John just said: isocyanate is very dangerous to the human body--please consider very good equipment if you are using paint with this chemical. Just keep thinking to yourself, "full body protection..." Davy

The guy that runs the place has a Z project and used to post here as Takman57. Also, Long (Dankinzle) is a long time member and frequent poster and is formally affiliated with the shop as well. I have heard nothing bad about them, and they even offered HybridZ discounts last year on header coating. If memory serves me correctly, they had some kind of formal mention in CarCraft or Hot Rod regarding coatings--about 1 year ago (?) Good stuff. Davy

Len, don't rub it in. Davy

At least your choice of engines is good! Keep it up! Davy

It is a polyurethane airdam made by Xenon. MSA is a reseller for them. They have the ability to bend if you touch a curb (good), but they also can deform at higher speeds too (bad). The one I had on my 260 was old and eventually deformed at the center attachment point. All things being equal, though, I like their looks and would buy a new one. Just food for thought. Davy

You are right in saying the 'black-out' treatment is merely paint. However, there is another option: powdercoating. You can do either a clear black that lets the metallic nature of the chrome shine though or an opaque black that covers it all. If you are going to do an opaque black, just use spray paint in the manner suggested by Terry & Mike. Davy